be a model!

Working models told us what they love and hate about their job so you can get the total picture.BY MICHELLE LEE RIBEIRO

Dec 4, 2007

Getting paid to wear designer clothes, travel the world, and have thousands of guys wanting to date you sounds pretty darn good! But there's more to modeling than that. Even if you're tall enough (usually at least 5'7") and have the right bone structure, you'll still face lots of rejection and work your butt off. Read this to find out what a model's life is really like.

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PROS: International travel; working with sexy male models; meeting celebrities; playing "dress-up" with cool clothes, hair, and makeup

CONS: Criticism from agents ("Your nose is too big!"); being away from family and friends a lot while traveling; no steady paycheck

HOW DO YOU START?If you want to find out if you have the right look to be a model, here's what to do.

CONTACT AGENCIES: Get a friend to take two snapshots of you (one closeup of your head and one of your entire body) and make about 50 prints of each picture. Then write up a résumé of your stats (height, weight, hair and eye color, and contact info) and attach it to the pictures. Search online or in the Yellow Pages for modeling agencies near you and mail each one a copy.

ENTER CONTESTS: Many cities hold modeling contests anyone can enter. Check the classifieds in your newspaper to see if any are listed near you. Then sign up!

GO TO OPEN CALLS: If you live in or near a big city, like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, call agencies and ask when they have open calls. Most of the big ones have weekly times when you can meet with an agent and find out if you have what it takes right then and there. If you do, the agency might even "sign" you, meaning that they'll agree to get you assignments.

WHAT DOES IT PAY?How much you make depends on the type of modeling you do, what city you work in, and how good you are. But in general...

RUNWAY: $0 to $5,000 a dayMAGAZINE STORIES: $0 to $1,250 a day. (Many new models choose to do shows and magazine stories for free to get exposure.)CATALOGS: $1,000 to $2,500 a dayPRINT ADVERTISEMENTS: At least $2,500 a day

ANY OTHER TIPS?More helpful stuff to know!

GET IN THE LOOP:Models.com is a free site that lists top agencies, up-and-coming models, and industry news. For a membership fee ($60 a year), you can also add your pictures and résumé to the database and chat online with girls who are models or want to be.

AVOID SCAMS: If an agency asks you for money up front to make a portfolio, it's probably scamming you. An agent should get you work if she likes your look — even without a portfolio.